Is 15% body fat healthy?
In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Is 15% body fat healthy?” Also, we’ll discuss what the difference between body fat and body mass index is, how you can calculate your body fat percentage, and what you should do if you’re out of the ideal range of body fat for your gender and age group.
Is 15% body fat healthy?
Whether or not 15% body fat is healthy will depend on a person’s sex and age group. For example, men may be permitted to fall to lower body fat percentages than women, as their physiological processes and needs differ from those of women.
The consensus, however, regards 15% body fat in men as being fit, whereas, for women of ages 20 and above, it may be regarded as low.
An individual’s ideal body fat percentage can vary in accordance with their age, as muscle mass tends to deteriorate, and as a result, the percentage of body fat may increase with an individual’s age.
What is the difference between body fat and body mass index?
Body fat percentage alludes to the percent of adipose tissue a person has in their body. Fat is distributed throughout the limbs, torso, and in other deposits such as the neck and face. Adipose tissue is stored energy that our body can tap into when nourishment is scarce.
A body mass index, alludes to an individual’s mass, regardless of whether or not it’s adipose tissue or muscle. Muscle is metabolically active, it requires nourishment, whereas adipose tissue (fat) is only stored energy. Muscle can be broken down to produce ketones as nourishment for cells, though this process is destructive and can have debilitating effects on a person.
To summarize, a body fat percentage is an accurate reading of the adipose tissue a person has, and a body mass index can be slightly misleading if adjustments aren’t made.
A common example is in bodybuilders; a body mass index may regard bodybuilders as out of shape or even obese, despite their physiques indicating the opposite; that they’re quite lean.
How can I calculate my body fat percentage?
There are many online calculators readers can consult with, and input their values to calculate their body fat percentage.
As we’ve already stated, body fat percentage is a better indicator of a person’s overall health, as these calculators require inputting a person’s weight, height, and measurements of neck and waist.
Medical personnel and fitness specialists can also calculate a person’s body fat using calibrators, and these instruments also provide accurate readings.
Once a person’s body fat percentage has been determined, they can take steps to maintain or achieve their ideal level of body fat.
What should I do if I’m out of the body fat range that’s ideal for me?
If your body fat percentage is out of range from what’s considered ideal for your gender and age group, you should speak to a licensed medical professional
A physician will help determine the underlying causes of your condition and provide tailored treatment and orientation.
If your body fat percentage is too low, a doctor may refer you to a nutritionist, who will provide a comprehensive diet that addresses your particular nutritional needs. You may be directed to eating richer foods, and higher in fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
If your body fat percentage is too high, you may be indicated to consume foods that are lower in calories, sugars, and added fats.
We encourage our readers to speak to a professional before they embark on a diet, as a specialist will help them discern what their specific nutritional needs are. Furthermore, inadequate dieting can generate certain deficiencies that may require supplementing or even medical treatment to correct.
A healthy diet, combined with an active, non-sedentary lifestyle can help you reach your weight and health goals.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “Is 15% body fat healthy?” Also, we’ve discussed what the difference between body fat and body mass index is, how you can calculate your body fat percentage, and what you should do if you’re out of the ideal range of body fat for your gender and age group.
References
https://www.calculator.net/body-fat-calculator.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/ideal-body-fat-percentage#for-men
